NordenBladet – The ordinary dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) that is as familiar to the Nordic nation as the back of the hand, is well-known in folk medicine and is a praised therapeutic herb. In Estonia around 170 different sorts of dandelions grow, and while being condemned as a weed, the plant is actually highly valued in the pharmaceutical industry around the world.
In folk medicine it is called the elixir of life, the purifier of blood, a laxative, the cure for the liver and the alleviation for exhaustion. Officially, dandelion was recognized as a therapeutic herb in the year 1961. Dandelion contains beneficial constituents all the way from blossoms to roots – each and every part of the herb is used for therapeutic purposes. The fresh dandelion milk emulsion latex is a cure for ailments in liver, kidney, spleen and the skin, besides it alleviates itching of the allergic skin, heals rashes and tetter.
The herb cleans blood, lowers cholesterol, alleviates anaemia, lowers stroke risk by making blood more fluid. It regulates the blood sugar levels of the organism. It has been found that latex fights the tuberculosis bug, lessens the spread of viruses and fungi, kills intestinal parasites. The dandelion also has been found to inhibit the growth of tumors. The dandelion is helpful for liver diseases and against jaundice, it helps against loss of appetite and against constipation, against rheumatism and against warts.This list is not exhaustive.
Dandelion stems:
1. A cure for liver ailments (especially beneficial for individuals who are keen on liquor). Although the whitish milk coming from the dandelion stem is slightly toxic, it is recommended to consume fresh dandelion stems in case of liver disease. To start with, have just one or a couple.
2. A cure against warts. Cover the warts with the milk from the stems of dandelion.
3. Slows and inhibits the spread of freckles: cover the face with dandelion milk before washing.
Dandelion blossoms:
1. In case of heart disease the folk medicine recommends boiling tea from dried dandelion blossoms and drinking this instead of water.
2. Honey can be made from dandelion and this is medicine against cough, bronchitis, fever, and the flu. Take one spoonful of it three times a day. (Preparation of dandelion honey: gather about two glasses of dandelion blossoms and boil them for half an hour in half a liter of water, then cool down and drain. After that boil the liquid once more and add half a kilo of sugar and a teaspoonful of citric acid. Boil for 20 minutes. The color will turn yellow as is the ordinary honey. Pour into honey pot when hot and cover with top.
3. They clean the blood, directing excess water out of the body.Dandelion nectar and tea are good for cleaning the blood, recovering appetite, speeding the digestion, and also it is helpful against hemorrhoids and spleen diseases. The nectar is to be taken 2-3 tablespoonfuls at a time and tea is to be consumed 1-2 glasses daily. Dandelion nectar also has a use in treating skin ailments.
4. Heals rheumatism. To alleviate rheumatism, collect fresh dandelion blossoms and pour over with petroleum, leave to be for 24 hours and then spread on problematic areas once a day in the end of the day.
Dandelion roots:
1. Helps in case of constipation. Boil tea from dandelion roots and drink in the morning and in the evening before the meal half a glass of it at a time.
2. Helps in case of gastric ulcers. Roots can be grated and eaten with bread or chewed freshly. Three pieces of roots is recommended daily.
3. Alleviates diabetes. For people with diabetes it is recommended to daily chew the root slowly: NB! digestion begins in the mouth, ten or more young dandelion’s roots daily.
Dandelion leaves:
1. Help alleviate inflammation in liver. Dandelion is a boosting spring plant. For salad, the leaves are suitable, as well as the stems and young roots. From dandelion leaves you can prepare a healthy soury salad, when you chop the washed leaves and mix them with cream or vegetable oils. The salad is efficient in case of chronic inflammations in liver.
The dandelion (as well as other herbs) are to be collected from unpolluted nature indeed and as close from the homeplace as possible. The herbs that are best for you grow in just a few kilometers area around you! The plant parts that are above the ground (blossoms, stems, leaves) is to be collected in spring, the underground parts (roots) in autumn. People who might be sensitive regarding the herbs should be careful with dandelion substances used in treatment purposes, since the herb is energetically intensive and with significant healing properties. In case of grave health problems first of all always turn to your GP for health advice.